Reviews

this was adorable - well the ending was & hilarious to boot. ironic, as quarter way through, was contemplating stopping, cause of the snail-paced start (talk about slow-burn ugh). add to that, the "look" which puts this somewhere in the earlier 90's with the dated acting skills (was shocked when Keigo tells Tadashi "...they in the 21st century, so u say gay not homo...") & the disjointed plot - was totally disinterested in what was going on.

but then Keigo comes on screen & the dude is such a mood the life of the party (quite literally) he's funny & shameless. hard not to love him, so totally got how Tadashi instantly warmed up to him. when, while reading the description, thought the ones he would warm-up to & confide in, let alone seek advice from would be Hiroki & Sinji.
this was 3 different stories intertwined in each other & it was good that each was wrapped up with a positive conclusion.
but i feel like the plot didn't flow in bits (maybe cause of this, still don't feel elated after watching). Yes the ending was a hoot & loved that Keigo got his dream wedding. that was fun & funny - a Very positive ending that leaves a smile in ur heart, not just ur face.

BUT this far from perfect & it's a shame, feels rushed or lacks polishing ... so more a miss then a hit - but fine for a 1 off

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Only Through Lies Can the Audience Get a Glimpse of the Truth

Lost in the Stars is a superbly made suspense/thriller film by relative newcomer director duo Cui Rui and Liu Xiang, but bears the fingerprints of its producer/screenwriter, Chen Sicheng, as well. Where Chen Sicheng's Detective Chinatown series is more humorous, however, Lost in the Stars takes a decidedly darker turn, and makes the viewer question and re-question what they actually know as the narrative unfolds.

Set in the fictional Southeast Asian country Belandia (or Bankal, if the film's signs are to be believed), He Fei (Zhu Yilong) is a bedraggled man begging an apathetic police force to look for his wife, Li Muzi (Huang Ziqi), who has been missing for over half a month. With his visa expiring in a few days, he has precious little time to find her. This missing person case then takes a turn for the unexpected when a woman shows up claiming to be her (Janice Man), with all signs pointing to the fact that she is, in fact, He Fei's wife. Finding himself entangled in an increasingly complicated web of conspiracy and deceit, his only saving grace is big shot lawyer Chen Mai (Ni Ni). Nothing is as it seems, however, as one by one the mysteries get peeled back, revealing a truth that was, perhaps, best left hidden.

Cinematographically, Lost in the Stars is a visual feast, with a distinctive flair that is engaging and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Fast cuts, unconventional camera movements, and bright colors underscore the lively setting and enhance the fast pacing, while also juxtaposing the actual tone of the film. There is barely room to breathe, with one thing happening after the other; while it can get exhausting, it adds to the experience. The audience is dragged along for the ride as much as He Fei is. The few moments of reprieve come in the form of flashbacks, at once more muted in color and slower in pacing. The score is beautifully crafted to reflect these scenes as well as the characters' emotional states.

Plot-wise, it is a well-written film with a complex mystery that keeps you guessing. There're hints throughout the movie, foreshadowing that is easy (or, easier) to catch on a rewatch, but with twists and turns that sometimes make it feel like the ground gets dropped out from under you. Unlike the hallmark of a good detective, which is that you can figure it out alongside the character(s), Lost in the Stars' intrigue that keeps you guessing is what makes it shine. There are parts that are "predictable", but only insofar that any suspense film will have tropes they rely on. Don't try to figure out what will happen, the experience is rewarding whether you overthink it or not. Even the things that initially don't seem to make sense, do tend to get explained; the few plot holes (if you can even call them that, they're more like... plot dents) are easy to overlook and shouldn't take away from the audience's enjoyment of the film. In fact, what happened to suspension of disbelief? Sometimes a thing not making sense is because it's a movie and not real life. The only real gripe I have is that they at times lean (too) heavily on ableist and racist stereotypes for the sake of plot.

Beyond the writing and cinematography, however, is the acting. Leading man Zhu Yilong has surpassed himself again in this film, showing a layered, multifaceted performance as He Fei. An attentive husband, a scheming bastard, a desperate gambler, a man on the edge (a man who has jumped over it a long time ago)... His nuanced portrayal sets the bar for the rest of the cast, who at times seem like they can barely catch up. While the ensemble all did great jobs, it is not an exaggeration to say that they paled in comparison to Zhu Yilong's force majeure (Ni Ni, his main co-star, I felt gave as good as she got, though).

When reviews first came out after the film was screened at the Hainan International Film Festival late last year, someone wrote that if you thought he was good in Lighting Up the Stars (a film which netted him not only his first Golden Rooster nom, but also the win), you hadn't seen him yet in Lost in the Stars. Having now seen and loved both, I am forced to agree. The many faces of He Fei leave the viewer pondering; not just the character and the film itself, but also human nature at large. There's a depth to Zhu Yilong's portrayal that seems almost wasted compared to what some of the minor characters were doing.

It's also a shame that there was more chemistry between the side characters than the leads. This is not to say that there was none between the leads, but when you get to the Manman and Li Muzi scenes, it feels more "real"... Or maybe that's by design, considering that the film builds up these characters as lying liars who lie and with every lie that gets uncovered there are more taking their place.

TL;DR: Lost in the Stars is a very compelling suspense movie. It is not just about the mystery behind the disappearance of He Fei's wife (and her(?) subsequent reappearance), it is about the lies we tell ourselves and others, and whether we keep believing them or not. It's a thought-provoking film that is absolutely worth a watch (and perhaps a rewatch).

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I was bored!!!

I think I might be getting fed up with all these "classical" Sherlock Holmes versions. All of this has been seen so many times and the only originality here is that it takes place in Japan today. The rest is just The Hound of the Baskervilles. I am blessed in a way, since I usually do not remember the plot of these movies (and books - the same is with every Agatha Christie book: as soon as I finish the book, my brain refuses to retain the name of the culprit so it is always new! For me, at least!). So even though I have seen every other version of this story, I cannot remember the plot. All I remember is that it takes place in the countryside.
So that is the case here. There are a couple of murders and kidnappings, rich families and their secrets and an earthquake punishing everyone, one way or another.

Shishio and Wakamiya are back, more annoying than before. Shishio looks like he just came back from Afghanistan, wearing ample robes and looking scruffy and unkempt. Wakamiya is imagining himself a detective like SH but he is too pretty to be convincing so he just struts around, following Shishio and failing at being helpful. There is no more chemistry between them that made the series such a fun watch in the beginning. Shishio just seems bored and Wakamiya is just a lovely wallflower!

What I loved was the cinematography: beautiful shots of mountainous and misty island, scary mine shafts and subdues colours verging towards grey, cold tones! And the music! Something special. The background score evolved as the story progressed, from the cello grating noise to the sweeping orchestral pieces to the final credits beautiful song, "lullaby" by YU-KA.

Last but not least, thank you eveychooey for the subs! I do not regret watching this: having these excellent subs just added to the pleasure of discovering a new exciting movie!

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Love transcends all boundaries in this heartfelt South Korean drama.

Tagline: Love transcends all boundaries in this heartfelt South Korean drama.

........................................| Pros |........................................
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Brilliant Acting: The performances by the lead actors, Son Ye-jin as Su-jin and Jung Woo-sung as Chul-soo, are outstanding. They effortlessly portray the complex emotions of their characters, making their love story truly believable and engaging.
Emotional Depth: "A Moment to Remember" delves deep into the emotional aspects of the characters' lives, particularly in dealing with Alzheimer's disease. It portrays the gradual deterioration of Su-jin's memory and its impact on their relationship poignantly and realistically.
Cinematography: The film is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography capturing the essence of various settings, from the idyllic countryside to bustling cityscapes. The use of colours and lighting effectively enhances the mood and emotions of the scenes.
Engaging Storytelling: The screenplay skillfully blends romance, drama, and a touch of mystery, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing the story to unfold naturally, and the narrative twists keep you guessing until the end.
Thought-Provoking Themes: "A Moment to Remember" raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of love, memory, and the resilience of the human spirit. It prompts viewers to reflect on the importance of cherishing every moment and appreciating the people we hold dear.
........................................| Cons |........................................
✘✘✘✘✘✘✘✘✘
Slow Pace: Some viewers may find the film's deliberate pace slow, especially during the initial setup. However, this leisurely approach contributes to the film's emotional depth and character development.
Familiar Themes: The movie explores themes touched upon in other romance dramas, such as the power of love against all odds. While it executes these themes effectively, it may not offer a wholly unique experience for those well-versed in the genre.
........................................| Character and Story Discussion |........................................
The central characters, Su-jin and Chul-soo, are well-developed and relatable. Su-jin's journey as she grapples with Alzheimer's disease is heart-wrenching, and the film sensitively portrays the impact on her and those around her. Chul-soo's unwavering love and dedication are equally moving, showcasing the depth of their connection.

The story expertly weaves together elements of romance, tragedy, and personal growth. It explores the complexities of relationships and the sacrifices one is willing to make for love. As the film progresses, it skillfully reveals surprising twists and turns that keep the audience invested in the outcome.

........................................ | Conclusion |........................................
"A Moment to Remember" is a profoundly emotional and visually stunning film that explores the power of love and the challenges posed by a couple in the face of hurdles. With brilliant performances, thought-provoking themes, and engaging storytelling, it stands as a testament to the enduring nature of love, even in the face of adversity. Although it may follow familiar romantic tropes, the film's execution and powerful performances make it a memorable and worthwhile viewing experience.

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Story: It was confusing at first until it became even more confusing. I wasn’t sure whether I was seeing flashbacks of a person’s past or watching two separate lives of people on parallel universes, until I realize later that I was watching a combination of both. Old man Xue Ping reminisces about his past love Ding, who happens to be student A Hong’s doppelganger. So old man follows young man around town, not aware he is coming across as a creepy stalker.

Acting/Cast: I’ve seen Chin Shih Chieh and Ray Chang around in other works, and they are decent, working with what they could of a sub-par script.

Music: Nothing to right home about.

Rewatch Value: No thanks.

Overall: The story of the old man’s past is more interesting than that of the student, which really doesn’t serve any purpose except for reminding Xue Ping that his lover is not coming back from the dead.

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Story: Seems simple enough. Ex-lovers reunite in this short film. One has a family and the other getting married. Both men who I presume were torn apart due familial or societal expectations or maybe some other reason we will never know.

Acting/Cast: Surprisingly not bad, but not great either.

Music: White noise.

Rewatch Value: You get the moral lesson of the story, is that you cannot regret or reverse the decisions that you made in the past and you have to live with that said decision.

Overall: This short film is trying its best to be poignant but falls a lot short from the goal. My only question is why would you invite your ex-lover to eat with your family, when you are so clearly afraid that your wife may find out what you were to each other before?

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Story: Plot is nowhere to be found, just a sea of bodies in tighty whities.

Acting/Cast: I did not even realize that Chris Wu is in this short film, until I saw the credits. What a waste of talent but I guess everybody has to start somewhere.

Music: Head-achy, the same as the strobing lights filtering throughout the short film.

Rewatch Value: Once is enough.

Overall: This short is trying to pass as film noir by interspersing the dialogue with the lines of two poems, but it came across more as a low-budget porn film that does not even satisfy. Please give me back 13 minutes of my time.

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How far will a father go to save his child?

That Night's Wife was an early Ozu crime film that still managed to focus on a family as many of his later films would. The three main characters all found themselves facing moral dilemmas and acting out of character, at least briefly, all for the sake of sick child.

Shuji is a father driven to desperation one night because his child is dangerously sick and he needs money for her treatment. He robs an office and is at once chased by the police. Thinking he has found safety in a taxi, unbeknownst to Shuji, it turns out the driver is an undercover police officer named Detective Kagawa. Once home, Shuji explains what he's done to his wife, Mayumi, who is not pleased. Kagawa comes knocking at the door, not taking no for an answer. Shuji helplessly hides behind a curtain, as Kagawa begins to search the small apartment. Mayumi pulls the gun used in the robbery on Kagawa and tells him that no one is going anywhere until her daughter is better. During an uncomfortable night, the detective sees their poverty and utter devotion to their daughter. The next morning, the doctor arrives and declares little Michiko on the mend. Kagawa feigns sleep and Shuji seems to be making an escape, but when Kagawa opens the door, the sober headed father has returned. Shuji wants to serve his time as he should so that he can be a father his daughter would be proud of.

Ozu wasn't afraid to be critical of the societal structure that left many without and parents faced with dire decisions to safeguard their children. As other authors would ask, should a person go to jail for stealing bread to feed his child? What lengths would a person go to, to save his child when society deemed her unworthy of saving? Shuji, the devoted, loving father, acted out of character by robbing people at gun point. Mayumi, the traditional, gentle wife, acted out of character by pulling a gun and basically holding Kagawa hostage. Kagawa, the hard-boiled by the book cop, acted out of character by agreeing to stay until Michiko improved and by pretending to be asleep in order for Shuji to escape. In the end, Kagawa walked arm in arm with Shuji to the police station giving the viewer hope that the father's sentence would be a compassionate one. Wh

The apartment where much of the story took place was very un-Ozu-like. Instead of the precisely ordered and decorated spaces he was known for, this apartment was cluttered with American movie posters hanging on the walls, paint cans piled up, laundry looped over a line in the living room, and everything pretty much askew. There were some classic noir shots, silhouettes against a glass door, close-ups of a gun, and shadowy, heart pounding chases through darkened streets with only the white police gloves or shiny sabers breaking the inky night. Instead of just the head and shoulders shown of the characters, often he showed the full length of the bodies as they moved naturally about. As opposed to the later slow orderly action of characters, Shuji hid and ran precariously through the streets, even crouching down in a phone booth to call the doctor, nervous and sweating. I found it honest and refreshing.

Something else I found refreshing was that this time it was the father who did something amoral to protect his child. In much of these 1930's films, women paid a terrible price by committing acts of prostitution to save their children. Mayumi was now alone and vulnerable, with few options for making money, hopefully, this character found her way to survive until her husband returned home. The film may not have looked like an Ozu film, but even in a crime noir, the heart of the story was the relationship of a husband and wife and their love for their daughter. Each of the characters had to weigh their moral decisions against the weight of an unsympathetic society, surprising themselves at times, but ultimately remaining true to their honorable selves. Not a must-see silent film, but an entertaining one that reflected Ozu's view of his world.

6/29/23

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Wish it was a show

I would have liked this to be more stretched out with a show, everything happened so fast! I did find it dark, gritty and I could feel for our lead. I just wish we could have seen more of everyone, it would make us feel even more for them.

I can't get over one thing, did he really have to go and do THAT?! Like, the man has lost enough thank you very much!

Although I enjoyed the show I really think it went to fast, so much information jammed into a short movie. I know there is a second movie that I will watch, but it could have easily filled a 12 episode show in my opinion.

This isn't for the faint of heart. I wish we would have gotten more of the dark and gritty side of selling oneself.

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not me ugly crying. OMG - half way through & it's goes from sad to sadder in a loop & as sad / heartbreaking / heart-rending as this is, it is also Beautiful(!) & i aint talking about the leads (who r really good looking) or the acting, which is stellar on all accounts. the story is just wow. the way this plot unfolds, touches ur soul. even if u haven't experienced loss or love, u know what it means in both cases, watching this movie.

both leads (recognized for other movies & drama's, so) i knew they can act - they had banging chemistry & the plot just takes this to the next level. i am jaded, so my mind went to different places when taking into account their age difference; one being jaded not believing in love. while the other being an innocent all pure & trusting, read to fall at a drop... but this has layers & every scene we see more about both leads, seeing that the jaded one might be more trusting & innocent, while the younger more innocent one is really jaded. so however i thought this gonna unfold, as the plot progressed, so did my conclusions change about where this will go. but from the get go, had a bad feeling one will die, and yet that wasn't the end of the others suffering.

find the title of this movie ironic, as neither leads (or any of the character's for that matter) can be characterized as egotistical. yeah when Kosuke got his mask on, he is the epitome of an Egoist - but that is nothing more then a mask, that hides a pure heart that has suffered so much pain OMG but my heart broke for this dude by the end - really beautifully poignant

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Love and Friendship

such a beautiful movie. the movie makes you glued to the screen and i would like to thank the director for that, so many beautiful scenes and the color gradient so good. i’m not really the type to cry over movies but this one hit the spot. reminded me of my own past friendships and the hardships we faced together. i also wish had done things differently but the past is the past.
also definitely one of kim dami’s best performances. jeon sonee was also good but in some moments her acting seemed a bit off and Wooseok also looked kinda weird in some parts. but really good movie overall

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1st off the subs aint good, sadly that makes it hard (like, got the gist. but am sure there minute details that went over my head). regardless, must say enjoyed this as much as i did "The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion". which comes as a surprise, not just cause of all the negative feedback this has gotten. but cause been put off watching this, as wanted the 2nd part, to pick up where the 1st left off (as is this took 4yrs in the making) & seeing how the 2nd part was described, cooled my curiosity - thus not rushing to watch when it came out, but am glad finally checked it out.

this a slow burn for sure, think 30 mins in there almost no dialogue & what little there is, isn't enough to clue u in on what the heck is going on. for 1 didn't get who was against whom & why. get Dr. Baek & her twin where the main scientist, but who were they working for and why where they killing people left right & center even their experiment's?!? needed clarification on that, & who let Mi Young go at the start, who raised her?!? even if she got a tracker on her, how can they know she's pregnant & it's time to "collect" her? maybe this & more will get answered in the next part - for now these "hole's" r frustrating.

weird or not the one i really loved was Tom, dude a breath of fresh air - every one else was walking around like the freakin grim reaper (which, get considering their power, let lone how they were brought-up) but that still a downer to watch. also ironically enjoyed Yong Doo (he totally deserved how he died) but while he was alive, he was a fun character - especially when he was scared sh*tless lol.

would've loved if Kyung Hee & her brother survived (like the couple who saved Ko Ja Yun in the 1st part). but then (i doubt) Ko Ja Yun's twin would've willingly gone with her & doubt Ko Ja Yun has reached out / searched for her, cause they family. bet it's cause unlike Ko Ja Yun, her sister doesn't need to get medicated on the monthly for her brain not to combust. like i said, a lot of plot-holes not explained / left open, so i unlike others am looking forward to the next part, just to get answers.

like mentioned above this a slow burn, but it's well acted & when the action came it was remarkable, heck IMHO even better then the 1st part - showing that the twin was stronger then her sister. so i for one think this was great & will happily recommend + can't wait for the next part.

side note: everyone going on & on about Lee Jong Suk, he almost didn't have any screen time. maybe in part 3?!?....

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Very addicting suspense and powerful surprise

The cinematography is extremely brilliant in this one, the suspense and thrill is heavily packed right from the start, pacing is just perfect as it keeps getting more and more addicting while the truth uncovers one over another. The storyline is really well arranged even though it's quite a simple one, but the surprise factor is very strong towards the end, while glossing it with some comedy to keep it stylish. Although this is the first feature film that Kim Seonho acted as the main lead, his performance is so breathtaking, he's charismatic in action and his humor simply steals the show. Everyone else's characters were also thoughtfully designed, the fight is so intense for some very ironic reasons, while the characters strike out with the best they've got.

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